What is the difference between a Counsellor, CBT Therapist and Clinical Psychologist?

I’m often asked what the difference is between different types of therapist. There are so many types to choose from – Counsellor, CBT therapist, Clinical Psychologist or Psychotherapist. To add confusion there are also wellness practitioners, coaches and hypnotherapists out there. It’s important to find someone with the appropriate qualifications and registration to ensure your therapist is practicing safely and effectively.

In this video I hope to share what the main types of differences are including:

• Counsellors – person centred therapists. They often are fairly quiet and allow the client to set the agenda and bring up what is important. They may be Doctors of Counselling or have various diplomas. They are regulated by the BACP, and this means you can be assured their work is regulated and their qualifications meet a minimum standard. They are useful for if you want a space to explore feelings
• CBT Therapists – these therapists are highly trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and may be trained in third wave CBT such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They work with people with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD etc. They are regulated by the BABCP and are employed by the NHS in many settings for mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
• Clinical Psychologists – are trained to a Doctoral level and are able to integrate a number of therapy types to create a tailored therapy. This may include CBT, ACT, Cognitive Anaytic Therapy (CAT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), mindfulness and compassion focussed therapy (CFT) amongst others. We are regulated by the HCPC but may be regulated by other groups for the individual therapies we’re trained in. We work in the NHS with people who might have more complexity to their mental health – for example several difficulties, childhood trauma or risk issues. I’m a Clinical Psychologist in Bournemouth
• Psychotherapist – Trained in one specific therapy such as psychodynamic psychotherapy. They are regulated by the UKCP for certain therapies, EMDR Association for EMDR therapists, or ACAT for CAT therapists amongst others

In summary, if in doubt, ensure that a therapist is registered and regulated by a governing body. A therapist will always be open to discussing their regulation and showing you their name on the register if you ask.

Clinical psychologist in Bournemouth